Neminath Ane Krushna - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Neminath ane Krushna" by Sukhlal Sanghavi, based on the provided PDF excerpt:

The text "Neminath ane Krushna" by Sukhlal Sanghavi explores the significant figures of Lord Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara in Jainism, and Lord Krishna, a central deity in Hinduism. The author posits that understanding both these figures is crucial to grasping the essence of ancient Indian (Arya) culture.

Key Themes and Comparisons:

Shared Heritage: Both Neminath and Krishna were born into the Yadu dynasty. While Jain tradition places Neminath's birth 66,000 years ago and Hindu tradition places Krishna's birth around 5,000 years ago, the author suggests that the exact chronological difference might not be as significant as the spiritual and cultural connections. He speculates that Neminath might have lived closer in time to Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara, rather than thousands of years prior.
Jain Tradition vs. Brahmanical Tradition: The text highlights a striking difference in the portrayal of these figures in their respective traditions. Jain texts extensively detail Neminath and his connection with Krishna. Conversely, while Brahmanical literature is rich with Krishna's narratives, it largely overlooks Neminath.
Neminath's Renunciation: Neminath's story is presented as a prime example of renunciation in Jainism. Despite being on the verge of marriage and seeing the animals destined for slaughter, he is overcome with compassion and leaves the wedding ceremony to undertake asceticism in Girnar. This act of profound empathy for all living beings is central to his narrative.
Rajumati's Devotion: Rajumati, who was to marry Neminath and was the sister of Kamsa, is also depicted as a significant figure. Upon learning of Neminath's renunciation, she too abandons worldly life. She later guides Neminath's brother, Rathnemi, who was tempted by her beauty, back to the path of asceticism. Together, Neminath and Rajumati are portrayed as exemplars of the ideal Jain monk and nun.
Krishna's Life and Teachings: The author acknowledges the vastness of literature surrounding Krishna, particularly the Bhagavad Gita, which he deems a profound and life-affirming text that encapsulates the essence of Vedic culture. He notes that Krishna's life, even if parts were written later, is deeply touching and influential.
"Gopalan" vs. "Pashurakshak": A central comparative point is drawn between Krishna and Neminath's roles in animal welfare. Krishna is associated with "Gopalan" (cow protection) and raising the Govardhan hill to protect cattle from heavy rains. Neminath, on the other hand, is identified as a "Pashurakshak" (protector of all animals), and his influence is seen in the broader emphasis on animal protection, including shelters for various animals, particularly in Gujarat.
The Two Ideals: Hinyana and Mahayana: The text connects Neminath with the Hinyana ideal (focused on individual liberation) and Krishna with the Mahayana ideal (focused on the welfare of all). While Hinyana aims for self-salvation, Mahayana prioritizes the well-being of others. The author suggests that while Brahmanical tradition has embraced Mahayana, Jainism leans more towards Hinyana. However, he argues that these ideals are not mutually exclusive and that a deeper understanding requires appreciating both.
Mutual Understanding and Synthesis: The author strongly advocates for mutual understanding between followers of Jainism and Hinduism regarding their respective great figures. He believes that Krishna devotees (often considered Mahayanis) can learn much from Neminath's renunciation and austerity, while non-Jains should learn about Neminath and Rajumati with empathy. By understanding the factual aspects of Krishna's life in conjunction with Neminath's, one can gain a truer picture of Arya culture.
Detachment in Action: The text emphasizes Krishna's ability to remain detached from worldly affairs while actively participating in them. This trait, along with Neminath's path of renunciation, represents two core aspects of Indian culture. The author concludes that the apparent opposition between Neminath and Krishna is superficial and that their ideals are complementary rather than contradictory.

In essence, Sukhlal Sanghavi's work advocates for a holistic understanding of Indian culture by drawing parallels and highlighting the complementary spiritual and ethical teachings of Lord Neminath and Lord Krishna. He urges for a breakdown of sectarian biases to appreciate the richness and depth of both traditions.